Winter activities

Whilst some of Norfolk's many attractions are seasonal, guests at White Lodge Farm Cottages will find that there are still plenty of things to see and do in Norfolk in the winter months. And, of course, many attractions open for half term as well as the Christmas holiday.

Of course, just like any other time of year, not everything is open every day 24/7 and you‘ll want to check before a special visit to avoid disappointment (you may even need to book), but there‘s certainly plenty to keep people of all ages and interests occupied before returning to the comfort of your centrally heated cottage and your log burner whilst staying at White Lodge Farm.

Listed here are some of the suggestions that come to mind (but this is by no means everything that‘s open in the winter - just look around at the rest of the website for more ideas).

1. Africa Alive - Plenty of wildlife, including ‘big cats’ - Daily except December 25 & 26
2. Banham Zoo - More wild life, heavy horses and farm animals - Daily except December 25 & 26
3. City of Norwich Aviation Museum - November to March - Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays
4. Dinosaur Adventure Park - Not just dinosaurs, also farm animals and play area - Daily except December 25 & 26
5. EcoTech Centre - Visit the wind turbines (an excellent view too)
6. Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden - Winter walks
7. Gooderstone Water Gardens and Nature Trail
8. Great Walsingham Barns
9. Imperial War Museum, Duxford- One of the finest collections of tanks, military vehicles and naval exhibits in the country
10. Monsters Ltd, Diss - Where little monsters go to play
11. Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery- Collections of fine art, archaeology and natural history of national importance - Daily except December 25 & 26, January 1

12. Norwich Puppet Theatre
13. Norwich Theatre Royal
14. Pensthorpe Nature Reserve and Gardens - Lots of over-wintering birds (remember this from Springwatch?) - Daily except 25 & 26 December
15. Peter Beals Roses
16. Ice skating at Planet Ice, Norwich
17. Playbarn - A fun packed indoor and outdoor centre especially designed for children aged 7 or under - Daily except Mondays (open in Norfolk school holidays) and Saturdays and closed December 25 and 26 and January 1
18. SeaLife Great Yarmouth - Close views of everything from humble starfish to mighty sharks and giant sea turtles - Daily except December 25
19. Sheringham Park (National Trust) - Spectacular landscape park and woodland garden (one of the finest examples of Humphry Repton's design legacy)
20. Strangers Hall, Norwich
21. The King of Hearts - Two medieval halls with an art gallery, bistro and craft shop
22. The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
23. Thetford Forest – High Lodge
24. Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
25. Time and Tide, Museum of Great Yarmouth Life- Great Yarmouth's fascinating history, its rich maritime and fishing heritage - Daily except December 25 & 26, January 1
26. World Horse Welfare (ILPH)
27. Wroxham Barns - Roses and plants, junior farm and craft shops

Contact details

• Africa Alive! 01502 740291
• Banham Zoo 01953 887771
• Broads Tours River trips from Wroxham 01603 782207
• Pensthorpe Nature Reserve and Gardens 01328 851465
• Melsop Farm Park 01953 851943
• Park Farm, Snettisham 01485 542425
• Planet Ice, Norwich 01603 416600
• Sea Life Yarmouth 01493 330631
• Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens 01493 369477
• Great Yarmouth Sea Life Sanctuary 0871 423 2110

Guests say ...

“Melsop was a real hit with us all - so lovely to get so close to all the animals and loved the informality. The indoor play area was great.”
-L,C,R&H H

“Thrigby Hall is one of our favourite animal parks - well laid out and so easy for little ones to get around without loads of walking and tired legs. The girls especially enjoyed the Tiger Trail.”
-The L Family

“Banham Zoo is a great way to spend a showery day. Good soft indoor play area for under fives. Check out feeding times as you arrive.”
-WB

“Melsop Farm Park was a huge hit with our three-year old twins. A great environment to touch lots of animals.”
-G,R, C&C

“Our five year old and two and a half year old really loved Banham Zoo and Africa Alive.”
-S&M S

“What a pleasure to enjoy the frosty mornings through to the wonderful evenings watching the barn owl hunt.”
-The D Family and the E Family

“Banham Zoo: A good day out well suited for pushchairs. Ther tigers were the star of the day.”
-K, D&J T

“Pensthorpe: A good day out - lots of birds to see and plenty of walking available. Great cafe with good food.”
-JJ&S